What: Walmart expands its HIV program, launched in 2021, to 80 stores nationwide.

Why it is important: US retailers increasingly pre-empt every single aspect of consumer health, killing two birds with one stone: bring a useful service to customers in need, and contribute to the overall image of the retailer.

Walmart has launched an HIV specialty-pharmacy pilot program in late 2021, targeting communities with high incidences of HIV. The program, which is set to expand to over 80 HIV-specialty facilities across nearly a dozen states by the end of this year, offers specialized training for pharmacists on HIV conditions and treatments.

The initiative aims to make antiviral medications more widely available and provide support services, in line with the Department of Health and Human Services’ goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. Walmart, along with CVS Health and Walgreens, is also working to offer free HIV testing and facilitate free home delivery of HIV medications.

The move comes as major pharmacies aim to expand their healthcare services and establish themselves as community retail health providers.

Walmart plans to expand its specialty HIV outreach